Vietnam board proposes transit visa for international tourists

Updated at Tuesday, 03 Jul 2018, 13:20

The Hanoitimes - The Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board has proposed immigration authorities issue visas for tourists in transit at international airports.

This policy allows tourists to enter the Southeast Asian nation visa-free and stay for up to 72 hours. Passengers transiting through Vietnam will soon be able to visit landmarks and tourist attractions in the country if the authorities approve this proposal, according to Tran Trong Kien, member of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board.

Foreign tourists to Vietnam. Photo: SGGP

In addition, Kien has proposed the government extend its visa exemption policy for international tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium and Holland.
The number of tourists from Australia to Vietnam might increase by one million in the next five to ten years, if the government agrees to this proposal, Kien added.
The visa waiver for tourists from five Western European countries namely the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy has been extended for three years starting July 1. Tourists from those countries are exempt from Vietnam entry visas until June 30, 2021 and can stay for up to 15 days.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is planning tourism marketing programs for Western European markets, with the visa waiver to be used as a leverage.
To carry out the programs, the administration is working with the International Cooperation Department, the Vietnam Cultural Center in France, Vietnamese embassies in Western European countries, and airlines. The programs will take place in France, Spain, Italy and Germany between September 25 and October 7, and attract around 60 to 70 companies each.